Sutherlandia frutescens

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Sutherlandia frutescens, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Lab studies suggest Sutherlandia has anticancer properties, but this has not been shown in humans.

Sutherlandia frutescens is a shrub native to South Africa and along the coast of West Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, chicken pox, external wounds, and cancer.

Lab studies suggest Sutherlandia can fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also appears to have anticancer properties. A few case reports suggest it may help decrease fatigue in cancer patients.

Sutherlandia has been proposed as an AIDS treatment in Africa. However in a trial of adults with HIV, patients taking Sutherlandia did not experience benefits, and had longer infection times. Additional studies are needed.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Infections
    Lab studies suggest antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. However in a study of HIV patients, 2 cases of tuberculosis occurred in the Sutherlandia group, even though they were on preventive therapy for tuberculosis.
  • Stomach and blood ailments
    There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
  • Cancer
    Sutherlandia showed anticancer effects in lab studies, but this has not been studied in humans.
  • AIDS
    Lab studies suggest antiviral properties. However in a study of HIV patients, those who took Sutherlandia did not experience benefits over placebo, but infection times were longer in a few patients.

What are the side effects?

Common: Diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness.
Rare: Drinking or swallowing high doses of Sutherlandia may cause sweating and vomiting.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

  • You are taking isoniazid: In a safety trial of adults with HIV, a possible interaction between S. frutescens and isoniazid occurred, as 2 participants developed tuberculosis despite taking isoniazid.
  • You are taking antiretrovirals (eg, atazanavir): Studies in human subjects suggest Sutherlandia may reduce the bioavailability of atazanavir. Also, many antiretrovirals are metabolized by CYP3A4.
  • You are taking CYP3A4 substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest Sutherlandia may interact with these drugs and increase the risk of side effects. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined.
  • You are taking P-gP substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest Sutherlandia may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined.